Numerical simulations of nematic liquid crystals flows between eccentric cylinders

Abstract

In this study, the flow characterization of Liquid Crystals (LCs) between eccentric rotating cylinders for different eccentricities is simulated using a finite element based commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics. To predict the interconnection of micro- and macro-structure of a Nematic Liquid Crystal (NLC), the Landau-de Gennes theory was implemented. Dimensionless pressure distribution and dimensionless wall shear stress on the inner cylinder is presented. Comparison of the mentioned dimensionless parameters for different eccentricities indicates that higher absolute values occur at higher eccentricity. Moreover, molecular representation of the NLC shows disclination lines and defects in the domain and also represent the preferred orientation of molecules near the solid surfaces.